Hang on for a minute...we're trying to find some more stories you might like.

Email This Story

Send email to this addressEnter Your NameAdd a comment hereVerification

On February 6, 2018, Michael Kay ’78, famed Yankees announcer, visited Bronx Science for his induction into the Hall of Fame. Bronx Science laid the framework for what would be an extremely successful career as a journalist and announcer.

After graduating Bronx Science, Kay stayed in the Bronx and attended Fordham University where he started his radio career with WFUV, the school radio station. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Fordham, he worked with the New York Post for seven years, covering a wide variety of sports for the paper before moving to the Daily News in 1989. In 1992, he became the Yankees announcer for WABC Radio, and in 2002, he became the television announcer for YES (Yankees Entertainment and Sports) Network. Kay has also hosted a number of other sports radio shows in his career, most notably ‘The Michael Kay Show’ on ESPN. He has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including thirty-one Emmy nominations with eight wins.

Kay stayed true to his passion for sports and dream of being a sports announcer throughout high school. “Ever since I was nine years old I knew I wanted to become the Yankees’ announcer. I knew if I worked hard at school and stayed focused the opportunity would eventually come,” Kay said.

Even with the pressure of attending one of the best high schools in the country, Kay and his friends found time to catch up on the previous days’ games.

“Me and all my buddies would sit by the newsstand and read The New York Post every morning, talking about what had happened with the Yankees or the Knicks or some team…we had our own talk show right outside of school every morning.”

Kay has undoubtedly been the voice for a generation of New Yorkers and has had a huge impact on the city and its culture. He has had the privilege of being a part of some of the most iconic moments in sports history, such as five Yankees’ World Series victories, Derek Jeter’s famous dive into the stands in 2014, Jeter’s final hit in Yankee Stadium in 2014, and many more. Current students appreciate the subtle impact that he has had on New York City and their lives.

“I remember listening to Mr. Kay call games ever since I was little. He’s had a huge part in me becoming a devout Yankees Fan,” Louis Silverman ’18 said.

Being the ‘Voice of the Yankees’ in one of the largest and most passionate cities in the world is a challenge and an honor that Kay does not take lightly.

“When they play highlights before the game and I hear my voice, it’s a surreal feeling. You see the people get hyped up about it … you sort of realize that your voice is connected,” Kay said.

Looking back at his time at Bronx Science, Kay believes the competitive and academically rigorous curriculum helped him to prepare for life in the equally competitive world of New York sports journalism and announcing.

“I think the way that Bronx Science prepared me was because it is such an intense and competitive situation which prepares you for the real world. I think that this school brings that out of you every single day when you walk in the door. I mean, I have to be on my game every single time that mic turns on. This is an atmosphere of excellence: if you strive to be the best, you go here,” Kay explained.

“This is an atmosphere of excellence: if you strive to be the best, you go here”- Kay ’78

Kay is still enjoying his work and has no plans on slowing down anytime soon.

“I love what I do. I’m lucky to be able to do what I love every single day. Hopefully the Yankees can bring a world series back to the Bronx soon.”

Ben WadeMichael Kay speaks to students about his experiences at Bronx Science during a luncheon.

Victor TesoroMichael Kay speaks to students about his experiences at Bronx Science during a luncheon.

Ben WadeMichael Kay tries on a hat gifted to him by the Varsity Baseball team.